Let the second phase begin. Once the repair market is over, Roma restart their hunt for Juventus with morale at a thousand. Because if it is true that the Bianconeri bought Osvaldo (ironically ex kicked out of Trigoria), it is equally true that the Giallorossi came out of the winter session definitely strengthened. Nainggolan, Bastos, Toloi, plus a slew of more than promising young players: it must be said, Sabatini certainly didn't hold back. Too bad though that Garcia, this afternoon against Parma, won't be able to count on any new signings. The Belgian midfielder is suspended, Bastos is not at his best (he will start from the bench), the Brazilian defender hasn't completed the bureaucratic process yet.
To this we must add Dodò's injury (second-degree lesion of the hamstring of the left thigh, for him 40-50 days off) and a busy calendar, which will lead Roma to play five matches in the next 14 days. “The goal is to always win, both in the league and in the Italian Cup – explained Garcia. – The most important match now is the one against Parma, which among other things hasn't lost for ten days. We have to take the three points and take advantage of the victory in Verona. Then we'll think about Wednesday and Napoli." In short, the first leg of the semi-final of the Coppa Italia can wait, because first there is a commitment that cannot be missed.
Roma believe in a comeback against Juve but are aware that they cannot afford missteps, otherwise the leaders could run away and Napoli make up for it. That's why Garcia, in line with the previous ones, has no intention of making calculations and saving anyone, not even the cautioned ones (Maicon, Pjanic, Florenzi) who, a week before the derby with Lazio, are very hot. “I don't think about these things – reiterated the French coach. – Just as I don't think about the standings: first we win, then we can look at it". The only calculation, perhaps, could concern Francesco Totti, who for physiological reasons certainly cannot play three full games in one week.
“No, he can't do it – admitted Garcia. – We need him, it is important that he is always at 100% and that he manages his strength as best as possible. But he can also start as owner all three times… ”. That is unlikely to happen, even if the captain's turnover should start on Wednesday. In fact, today it is probable that Garcia will make him start from the beginning together with Florenzi (favorite over Ljajic) and Gervinho. For the rest, Roma's formation is practically obligatory: the unavailability of Dodò and Balzaretti, combined with the approximate condition of Bastos, require the French coach to have two full-backs with great drive such as Maicon and Torosidis, who will make up the defensive department together with Castan and Benatia . In midfield, as previously mentioned, Nainggolan will be missing, so we will see the trio from the first round again Pjanic, De Rossi, Strootman. The typical Rome in defiance of any kind of calculation, in perfect Garcia style.
